On March 16, 2003, an Israeli bulldozer driver murdered Rachel in cold
blood.

Trying to stop a Rafah refugee camp home demolition, eye witnesses said
she climbed atop the giant Caterpillar tractor, spoke to the driver,
climbed down, knelt 10 - 20 meters in front in clear view, and blocked
its path with her body.

With activists screaming for it to stop, the soldier-operator deliberately
crushed her to death. To be sure, he ran over her twice.

The Foundation continues what Rachel began. It reflects "her vision,
spirit, and creative energy...." It supports "build(ing) understanding,
respect, and appreciation for differences, and that promote cooperation
within and between local and global communities."

"The foundation encourages and supports grassroots efforts in pursuit
of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, which
we view as pre-requisites for world peace."

committing to people and places the way Rachel did, especially those
most disadvantaged and repressed.

Rachel was 23 when murdered. She believed in nonviolent direct action.
She supported oppressed Palestinians. It became her life's struggle.
She gave it doing what's right. What greater sacrifice than that!

In her own words, she said:

"Iím here for other children.

Iím here because I care.

Iím here because children everywhere are suffering and because forty
thousand people die each day from hunger.

Iím here because those people are mostly children.

We have got to understand that they dream our dreams and we dream theirs.

We have got to understand that they are us. We are them.

My dream is to stop hunger by the year 2000.

My dream is to give the poor a chance.

My dream is to save the 40,000 people who die each day.

My dream can and will come true if we all look into the future and see
the light that shines there.

If we ignore hunger, that light will go out.

If we all help and work together, it will grow and burn free with the
potential of tomorrow."

Her dedication and humility came out in comments like "I can't be Picasso.
I can't be Jesus. I can't save the planet single-handedly. I can wash
dishes."

From Occupied Palestine, he emailed often. Her comments showed dedication.
They're inspirational for others. They reflect a spirit vital to be
kept alive. The Foundation, Rachel's family, friends, and kindred spirits
do it.

What better life's mission than supporting peace and justice. Rachel
died for it. It bears repeating. What greater sacrifice than that!

Rachel's Family Lawsuit

In 2005, representing Rachel's family, attorney Hussein abu Hussein
sued the State of Israel. It bears full responsibility for her death.

On March 10, 2010, oral testimonies began. Fifteen court hearings were
held. Twenty-three witnesses testified. They included four International
Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists with Rachel when she died. They
saw what happened close up. Over 2,000 court transcript papers were
produced.

US embassy officials attended each hearing. So did Rachel's family members,
as well as numerous international legal and human rights organization
observers.

On July 11, 2011, proceedings concluded. Judge Oded Gershon scheduled
dates for both sides to present written summations and closing arguments.
He also set April 23, 2012 for his ruling. Multiple delays along the
way postponed it.

Rescheduling hasn't been set. The longer it's delayed, the more likely
justice will be denied. Whatever the ruling, Rachel's lost life can't
be restored.

The Rachel Corrie Memorial web site provides information about her and
what everyone can do. The best way to honor her is follow her example.
Support peace and justice issues. What's more important than those.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge
discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News
Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time
and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy
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